ABSTRACT
Using their personal experiences in Laos (Stephen Bailey) and Vietnam (Hien Vu), the authors reflect on steps taken over the last two decades to create a cultural context supportive of religious freedom through the prism of personal, comparative, and collaborative competencies at the individual and institutional levels. Laos and Vietnam have long been criticized for their shortcomings in the area of human rights. These case studies suggest that skilled engagement of these countries can cultivate cultural contexts for covenant pluralism. This process requires evaluation based not on a snapshot of a context’s failures but on a panoramic view that measures change over time, recognizing the momentum and direction of Laos and Vietnam as they move towards a shared religious landscape shaped by peace and mutual respect. This process also requires patience and persistence, as progress is measured by positive changes in mindsets of stakeholders towards the role of religion in the society and better policies to protect religious rights. Education, encouragement, and empowerment are strongly needed during this process.
